What is a Charter School?

While charter schools resemble public, alternative schools in Eugene, there are differences. Charter schools have access to startup and operational monies in the form of federal funding awarded through the Oregon Department of Education.  Charter schools are free public schools providing innovative educational opportunities to students.  In Oregon, elementary charter schools receive 80% of the funding a traditional elementary school receives, and charter schools must provide their own school facility (whether they lease a facility or purchase their own building).

A charter school also has flexibility in staff certification. According to charter school law, at least half the teachers must be Oregon certified. Ridgeline’s goal is to employ teachers who are both Oregon-certified and Montessori-trained teachers. The Montessori training and certification process is separate, specialized, and rigorous. 

What Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School Is:

1. A Montessori School:

   • Adheres to the Montessori philosophy of education, focusing on self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and fostering independence in students.

   • Features multi-age classrooms where students learn collaboratively and mentor one another.

2. A Public Charter School:

   • Tuition-free and open to all students within its district, making Montessori education accessible to families of diverse backgrounds.

   • Operates under a charter with the Eugene School District 4J, blending public accountability with autonomy in educational approaches.

3. A Community-Oriented Institution:

   • Emphasizes collaboration between students, parents, and teachers to create a supportive educational environment.

   • Encourages family engagement through events, volunteer opportunities, and transparent communication.

4. Academically Focused:

   • Balances Montessori methods with adherence to state academic standards, ensuring students excel in traditional subjects while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

5. Holistic in Its Approach:

   • Prioritizes academic excellence and emotional, social, and character-focused development.

   • Incorporates nature, art, and global awareness into the curriculum, reflecting Montessori’s emphasis on interconnectedness, or "cosmic education."

6. A Full-Day, In-Person Program:

• Ridgeline Montessori offers a full-day, K-8, in-person learning experience, providing students with the consistency and structure essential for deep engagement in Montessori education.

• The full-day format, a cornerstone of Montessori pedagogy, allows for uninterrupted work periods. It enables students to fully immerse themselves in their chosen tasks and explore concepts at their own pace.

• In-person learning fosters a strong sense of community, central to Montessori philosophy. Through shared spaces, collaborative projects, and peer mentoring, students develop social skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging, which are critical for their overall development.

• This community-driven approach ensures that every student feels valued and supported, creating an environment where they can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

What Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School Is Not:

1. A Private School:

   • Unlike private Montessori schools, Ridgeline is publicly funded and does not charge tuition, broadening accessibility.

   • It must comply with public school regulations and accountability measures.

2. A Traditional Public School:

   • Ridgeline’s Montessori framework sets it apart from standard public schools, offering an alternative to traditional teaching methods and classroom structures.

   • Does not rely on teacher-led, lecture-heavy instruction; instead, students have the freedom to choose and manage their learning activities within structured guidelines.

3. A Montessori "Lite" Program:

   • Unlike schools that integrate a few Montessori elements, Ridgeline fully implements the Montessori method with trained educators and appropriate materials, ensuring authenticity.

4. A One-Size-Fits-All Institution:

   • The school tailors its approach to each child's developmental needs, rather than using a uniform curriculum or pace for all students.

5. A For-Profit Organization:

   • It operates as a non-profit entity focused on the well-being and education of its students rather than generating revenue.